SUMMARY
- In an interview, Pep Guardiola wants the journalist not to criticize Erling Haaland.
- Haaland's grandmother passed away on the same day he had a match against Everton FC.
Erling Haaland’s detractors were forewarned by Pep Guardiola after the prolific Norwegian enhanced Manchester City’s chances of winning the Premier League. Haaland reacted forcefully after squandering numerous opportunities in the February 17 draw with Chelsea, scoring the game’s winning goal in the 71st minute against Brentford to take City into second place in the standings, only one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Before his goal against Brentford, the Norwegian sensation had only scored twice in his previous seven games. Guardiola warned that anyone who criticizes his striker should anticipate a response. Erling was one of Manchester City’s most vital players in the 2022–2023 season, and Pep understands how valuable he is to the group.
“When I was young, I was not a journalist but an old friend said to me ‘top scorers strikers score a lot of goals, don’t criticize, he will shut your mouth,’” said Guardiola. Pep has always been vocal regarding the support of his players in the squad.
It remains to be seen how Manchester City and Erling Haaland perform in the remainder of the 2023-24 season, as the title race is heating up this season. For City to achieve any form of glory, they will have to be at their flying best this season.
Erling Haaland pays tribute to his late grandmother by scoring on the day she passed away
Despite still being in mourning following the death of his grandmother on February 10, Man City forward Erling Haaland participated in the team’s 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen on February 14. The Norwegian attacker persevered during the entire 90 minutes in Denmark, even after learning with sadness that his father Alfie’s mother, Tone Rasdal, had died on February 10 at the age of 80.
Erling Haaland scored a brace for Manchester City against Everton 🅰️ Kevin De Bruyne 👀👏 pic.twitter.com/QrBk83bpqG
— Heaven Football (@heavenfootball_) February 11, 2024
Not only that, Haaland was playing against Everton FC on the day his grandmother passed away, and he also scored a brace. However, it is unknown whether he knew the news about her passing away, but his goal was an unknown tribute to his late grandmother, Tone Rasdal.
Pep Guardiola takes a swipe at journalists in a press conference
Pep Guardiola brought up the fact that during Erling Haaland’s most recent slump, he was not only healing from a severe injury but also from a family catastrophe. Pep has always been supportive of his players, and this was one of the clear examples.
Reporter: What’s wrong with being a journalist? 🤨
Pep: I’m a manager, my life is better than yours so… 😂
🔗 https://t.co/nwuXWamNhx pic.twitter.com/lgsuNczK9m
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 20, 2024
On the contrary, when asked why he had never wished to work as a journalist, Guardiola responded as follows after mentioning the industry in one of his statements: “I am a manager. My life is better than yours. But nothing personal with you.” This seemed to be less of a statement and more of a jibe towards the journalists in the room.